Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Laser.
Hi Megan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always been called to yoga, even before I ever knew what it was. I would go to a yoga class here and there every couple of years. At some point while living in Chicago, I made a dear friend and together, we would go to a few yoga studios around the city. That was when I got a small look at yoga as community. When I decided to stop drinking alcohol and suddenly my social entertainment shifted quite a bit. My dear cousin and I would attend a Friday evening Yin class and then go to the hot tub at the neighborhood club gym, I started to see and feel that there is so much more to yoga than this exercise. My partner Jesse and I had traveled to US States and many countries where we often practiced yoga in diverse settings with diverse teachers. What a blessing it has been to see and participate in these other cultures. A few life events later — some very challenging, but all leading to this moment–we had the opportunity to attend yoga teacher training in the rainforest of Peru. When we moved to Hillsdale, my hometown, we purchased the old insurance agency, renovated completely, and opened a yoga studio that carries the essence from our travels in North Africa, South Asia, South and Central America, and Joshua Tree, CA We often get told that when you walk into this room, it feels like you’re somewhere else. We love Hillsdale and that’s why we are moved to bring this wonderful practice with so many benefits to our community. Everyone is welcome here exactly as you are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So. Many. Challenges. Some of them, major struggles. Let’s see, we were first supposed to buy this beautiful farm house on lots of acres with a few buildings and fruit trees. This was going to be our land, our abundant piece of this rock we call Mother Earth. After ending apartment leases, quitting my job, and planning to move to my hometown from Chicago, that fell through. But, alas! The opportunity to attend yoga teacher training was born.
Learning how to buy a building and renovate a building was a tremendous challenge. I will close my eyes every once in a while and imagine I am standing in the middle of the demolished space that it once was. I remember the feeling like it would never be finished. Back then, I would close my eyes and pretend that I was standing at the front of a class teaching in my very own finished studio. It is the reminder to pause and remember that very often, the day to day challenges are proof that our dreams have come true.
Learning how to start and operate a business was a tremendous challenge. Millions of documents, laws, licenses, things I don’t fully understand yet, dreams at stake. I was never ready to start a business, but I took the small first step and then the next, and abracadabra, I’m a business owner by way of teaching yoga.
Working a full time job in special education at the same time as operating the studio can be challenging at times. However, it is the perfect after work job. Having a yoga sadhana, or practice, helps me to better serve the students and educational staff in many important ways.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
During the school year, I work at Hillsdale County Intermediate School District as a behavior specialist.
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and I apply my education and experience working in home and clinic based settings to the school setting.
With Abundant Rock, I offer private coaching services based in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), Ayurveda, and Yoga. This work is completely individualized based on what each learner is looking for.
I also offer a Yoga and ACT-based 8-Week Group Program starting in January, This work allows us to unhook from the painful annoyances in our lives while taking committed action towards the things that really matter. We learn tools that can unlock a more rich and fulfilling life.
We have many different regularly scheduled group classes at Abundant Rock with something for everybody. We offer Sound Baths; meditation; heated Hatha and fitness; and unheated Hatha, Yin, and Vinyasa. Private group or individual classes available as well.
I am so grateful to have backgrounds in both applied behavior analysis and yoga. I have been given two very magical lenses to see the world through and I cherish this privilege every day.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
After the new year we will be open for tea, fresh pressed juice, and small bites. This will be for take way and some hours will be available to relax with food and drink inside the studio in front of the fire or outside in the patio.
We will be exploring retreats in the future.
Pricing:
- $20 drop in
- $16 for student/educator
- $108 monthly unlimited
- $85 monthly unlimited for students/educators
- Karma Club- free classes for service
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abundantrockyoga.com/
- Instagram: @abundantrockyoga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579552985994
